Hussein Trial Adjourns Over Key Documents

Saddam Hussein (right) and co-defendants (file photo) (epa)
April 17, 2006 -- The trial of Saddam Hussein resumed today but was soon adjourned until April 19 to allow the prosecution more time to verify documents purporting to link the former Iraqi leader to a deadly 1982 crackdown.

The former Iraqi president and seven co-defendants are on trial for the deaths of 148 Shi'a following an assassination attempt against him in the town of Al-Dujayl.

All eight defendants were in court today when the proceedings got under way.

AFP reported that prosecutors would present documents allegedly proving Hussein and the other officials gave the orders to carry out the killings in Al-Dujayl.

During today's hearing, handwriting experts confirmed Hussein's signature on documents authorizing the summary killings following the attempt on his life. Hussein's lawyer rejected the findings.